HIP-HOP & R&B: CULTURE, MUSIC & STORYTELLING © 2022

by Carlie Lawson

In Atlanta, Georgia, in 2009, three family members, two cousins, and an uncle created Migos. The three members of the band were Kiari “Offset” Cephus, Quavious “Quavo” Marshall, and Kirsnick “Takeoff” Ball. While separately, rappers Offset, Quavo, and Takeoff have appeared in numerous films and television shows as a band, Migos have stuck to music, endorsements, and business. Each artist has landed his own endorsement deals, but as a group the hip-hop performers have been exceedingly choosy about their affiliations. Since their formation, Migos have received countless music industry awards and nominations. Despite their accomplishments, the members of the band have retained a family focus, remained true to themselves, and continued to be a part of the community in which they grew up. The three members of Migos often donate to charity and participate or support philanthropies together. The family band also each conduct their own philanthropic pursuits. In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today’s hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists’ lifetime awards, albums, tours, and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.

by Carlie Lawson

Alicia Keys is a talented, award-winning singer and songwriter who was born in 1981 in New York City. From an early age, Keys was interested in music, beginning piano lessons at the age of seven. Later, she went on to study at the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan. Following her graduation, Keys signed a recording deal with Clive Davis, the boss of Arista Records. In 1999, Clive Davis left Arista Records and started a new company, J Records, and Keys followed him. At J Records, she was given more creative freedom. From then on, Keys was unstoppable. Today, she is a multiple Grammy Award winner. Aside from her music, Alicia Keys has worked successfully in television and film. She is married to Swizz Beatz, a successful hip-hop producer, and they have two children. Keys enjoys giving back to the community and performs charity work. Her aim is to make the world a better place. She regularly supports over thirty charities operating around the globe. In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today’s hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists’ lifetime awards, albums, tours, and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.

by Carlie Lawson

Musician, actor, and businessman Radric Delantic Davis, better known as Gucci Mane, overcame adversity as an at-risk youth in the Atlanta metropolitan area to found trap music and establish one of its earliest record labels. Davis has been labeled as everything from autistic to insane by his family and peers, who did not understand his genius or his ambition. The often-outlandish rapper beat a drug addiction and reformed his life during a lengthy incarceration. The musician now runs his record company and a clothing firm while continuing his prolific recording career. He also prioritizes his marriage and childrearing. He has one son from a prior relationship, while his wife has three children. The blended family live in Atlanta, GA. In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today’s hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists’ lifetime awards, albums, tours, and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.

by Carlie Lawson

Pennsylvania rhyme king Meek Mill carved out a lasting career as a rapper and producer competing in rap battles as early as age ten. It took him until age thirty-two though to beat the legal rap that plagued him since his eighteenth year. Once released from prison, small infractions on his part violated his probation four times, returning him repeatedly to prison. Mill persevered through these career interruptions to publish a novel, release two gold and two platinum albums, hit the top of the Billboard charts, found his own record label, buy controlling interests in other firms, and found a legal reform foundation with friends and colleagues that aims to reform the judicial system’s racial bias. In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today’s hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists’ lifetime awards, albums, tours, and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.